Adhesive tape with print and adhesive tape roll with print

ABSTRACT

This disclosure discloses an adhesive tape with print, comprising a transferred layer. The transferred layer is formed on a tape main body by transfer from an ink ribbon. In the tape main body, an adhesive layer is disposed on one side of a tape base layer, and a separation layer is provided on the other side of the tape base layer and comprises an olefin resin separating agent or an acrylic resin separating agent. A first layer is formed on a front surface of the other side of the transferred layer and has a solubility parameter value greater than or equal to 7 and less than or equal to 9. A second layer is formed on a front surface of the one side of the transferred layer and has a solubility parameter value greater than or equal to 7 and less than or equal to 9.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 2012-214830, which was filed on Sep. 27, 2012, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure relates to an adhesive tape with print that isaffixed to an adherent and used, and an adhesive tape roll with printthat uses the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

There are known adhesive tapes with print that are affixed to anadherent and used. These adhesive tapes include a tape base layer (resinfilm base), an adhesive layer, and a separation material (separationsheet), in that order, from the front surface side to the rear surfaceside in the thickness direction, and print formation is performed bytransferring the ink of the ink ribbon to the front surface side. Theink ribbon used is a ribbon comprising a ribbon base layer and an inklayer that sticks to the front surface side of the adhesive tape. Theuser uses the adhesive tape of a preferred length by affixing it to asuitable adherent.

When the user affixes and uses the adhesive tape as described above,dirt and debris sometimes stick to the front surface, and it iscontemplated that a separation layer could be provided on the frontsurface of the tape base layer to prevent this. Hence, such an adhesivetape may be conceivably generated as a roll wound around a predeterminedaxis, for example. In a case where a separation layer is thus provided,the adhesive tape includes a separation layer, a tape base layer, and anadhesive layer, in that order, and thus the adhesive layer in the rollis in contact with and adhered to the separation layer in the radialdirection of the roll. Then, when the adhesive tape is fed out from theroll, the adhesive layer is sequentially peeled and separated from theseparation layer, requiring consideration for improving the separabilitythereof as well. Furthermore, in a case of a structure that providesseparability as described above, consideration must be made to improvethe adhesion between the separation layer and ink ribbon in order toensure favorable transferability at the time of transfer from the inkribbon.

In the prior art described above, achieving an adhesive tape withoptimum characteristics that is capable of maintaining separability atthe time of feed-out from the roll, transferability from the ink ribbon,and antifouling properties when affixed and used as previously describedwas not taken into account.

SUMMARY

It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide anadhesive tape with print and an adhesive tape roll with print that arecapable of achieving optimum characteristics that is capable ofmaintaining antifouling properties when affixed and used while improvingseparability at the time of feed-out from the roll and transferabilityfrom the ink ribbon.

In order to achieve the above-described object, according to the aspectof the present application, there is provided an adhesive tape withprint having a dimension in a thickness direction, comprising a tapemain body, and a transferred layer formed on the tape main body bytransfer from an ink ribbon, the tape main body including a tape baselayer, an adhesive layer disposed on one side of the tape base layer inthe thickness direction and comprising a predetermined adhesive, and aseparation layer provided on the other side of the tape base layer inthe thickness direction and comprising an olefin resin separating agentor an acrylic resin separating agent having a long-chain alkyl group,the transferred layer including a first layer formed on a front surfaceof the other side of the transferred layer in the thickness directionand having a solubility parameter value greater than or equal to 7 andless than or equal to 9, and a second layer formed on a front surface ofthe one side of the transferred layer in the thickness direction andhaving a solubility parameter value greater than or equal to 7 and lessthan or equal to 9.

The adhesive tape with print of the disclosure is configured by theformation (so-called print formation) of a transfer layer by transferfrom an ink ribbon to a tape main body. The user uses this adhesive tapewith print as a label or sealing material for packaging, for example, byaffixing the adhesive tape with print of a preferred length to asuitable adherent. At this time, the tape made body forms a layeredstructure which includes a separation layer, tape base layer, andadhesive layer, in that order, from the other side (upper side, forexample) to one side (lower side, for example) in the thicknessdirection. The separation layer is provided to the one side of the tapebase layer, thereby causing the front surface to be less susceptible tothe sticking of dirt and debris when used as a label or sealing materialas described above, making it possible to maintain antifoulingproperties.

Such an adhesive tape with print may be conceivably generated as a rollwound around a predetermined axis, for example. The main body of theadhesive tape with print includes the separation layer, tape base layer,and adhesive layer, in that order, as previously described, and thus theadhesive layer in the roll is in contact with and adhered to theseparation layer in the radial direction of the roll in all sectionsother than the section where the transfer layer is transferred. Theseparation layer is provided with the object of making the adhesion withthis adhesive layer readily reseparable and, when the adhesive tape withprint is fed out from the roll, the adhesive layer is sequentiallypeeled and separated from the separation layer. Then, according to thedisclosure, to improve the separability at this time (to make theadhesive layer peel via a lighter load), the separation layer comprisesan olefin resin separating agent or an acrylic resin separating agentcomprising a long-chain alkyl group with a relatively low solubilityparameter value. With this arrangement, it is possible to improve theseparability from the separation layer when the adhesive tape with printis fed out from the roll.

On the other hand, the transfer layer forms a layered structure whichincludes a first layer and a second layer, in that order, from the otherside (upper side, for example) to one side (lower side, for example) inthe thickness direction. That is, at the time of transfer from the inkribbon, the second layer positioned on the front surface on one side ofthe transfer layer is formed adjacent to the other side of theseparation layer. To ensure favorable transferability, it is necessaryto increase the adhesion between the adjacent separation layer andsecond layer, and thus the difference between the solubility parametervalue of the separation layer and the solubility parameter value of thesecond layer is preferably relatively small. Thus, the separation layercomprises an olefin resin separating agent or an acrylic resinseparating agent comprising a long-chain alkyl group, with a relativelylow solubility parameter value. Hence, according to the disclosure, amaterial with a relatively low solubility parameter value greater thanor equal to 7 and less than or equal to 9 is adopted for the secondlayer (and not a material with a solubility parameter value of 11 or thelike, such as the ink ribbon used for regular tape printing). With thisarrangement, the adhesion between the second layer and separation layeris increased, making it possible to improve the transferability from theink ribbon.

Further, in a case where the tape is generated as a roll as describedabove, the adhesive layer and the separation layer are in contact in theradial direction of the roll in all sections other than the sectionwhere the transfer layer is transferred as previously described. Fromthe viewpoint of the adhesion, it is necessary to decrease the adhesionbetween the adhesive layer and the separation layer, and thus thedifference between the solubility parameter value of the adhesive layerand the solubility parameter value of the separation layer is preferablyrelatively large. Since the solubility parameter value of the separationlayer is relatively low as described above, according to the disclosure,an adhesive layer with a relatively high solubility parameter value isadopted.

On the other hand, in a case where the tape is generated as the roll atthis time, the first layer positioned on the front surface of the otherside (the upper side, for example) of the transfer layer and theadhesive layer are in contact in the radial direction of the roll in thesection where the transfer layer is transferred. From the viewpoint ofthe adhesion, it is necessary to decrease the adhesion between the firstlayer and the adhesive layer, and thus the difference between thesolubility parameter value of the first layer and the solubilityparameter value of the adhesive layer is preferably relatively large.For the aforementioned reasons, according to the disclosure, since anadhesive layer with a relatively high solubility parameter value isused, the solubility parameter value of the first layer is preferablyrelatively low. Hence, according to the present disclosure, a materialwith a relatively low solubility parameter value greater than or equalto 7 and less than or equal to 9 is adopted for the first layer as well,similar to the second layer. With this arrangement, it is possible todecrease the adhesion between the first layer and the adhesive layer,thereby preventing the transfer layer formed after transfer from the inkribbon to the separation layer from peeling once again toward theadhesive layer side.

Thus, in the disclosure, it is possible to achieve an adhesive tape withprint with optimum characteristics that is capable of maintainingantifouling properties when affixed and used, while improvingseparability at the time of feed-out from the roll and transferabilityfrom the ink ribbon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a right side view showing an outer appearance of the adhesivetape printer of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal structureof the adhesive tape printer.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the tape transport path of theadhesive tape printer.

FIG. 4 is a right side view showing the outer appearance of the adhesivetape printer with only the first opening/closing cover open.

FIG. 5 is a right side view showing the outer appearance of the adhesivetape printer with only the second opening/closing cover open.

FIG. 6 is an exploded side view showing the adhesive tape printer withthe first and second opening/closing covers open and the adhesive tapecartridge and ribbon cartridge removed.

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view conceptually showing the layeredstructure of the adhesive tape with print of the embodiment.

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view conceptually showing a modificationwherein the SP value of the ink layer is decreased.

FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view conceptually showing a modificationwherein the top layer is omitted.

FIG. 7D is and a cross-sectional view conceptually showing amodification wherein the underlayer is omitted.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view explaining the relationship between theseparation material type and separability quality as well as the size ofthe solubility parameter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following describes one embodiment of the present disclosure withreference to accompanying drawings. Note that, in a case where “Front,”“Rear,” “Left,” “Right,” “Up,” and “Down” are denoted in the followingdrawings, the terms “Front,” “Rear,” “Left,” “Right,” “Up (Above),” and“Down (Below)” in the explanations in the description refer to thedenoted directions.

General Configuration of Adhesive Tape Printer

First, the general configuration of the adhesive tape printer accordingto this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1-6.

In FIGS. 1-6, the adhesive tape printer 1 comprises a housing 2 thatconstitutes the apparatus outer frame, a first opening/closing cover 3,a second opening/closing cover 4, a first storage part 5, a secondstorage part 7, and a third storage part 6. The first opening/closingcover 3 is provided to the upper rear side of the housing 2. The secondopening/closing cover 4 is provided to the upper front side of thehousing 2. The first storage part 5 is provided to the rear side of thehousing 2. The second storage part 7 and the third storage part 6 areprovided to the front side of the housing 2.

At this time, an adhesive tape cartridge TK is detachably mounted in afirst predetermined position 8 located below the first opening/closingcover 3 (in a closed state) of the housing 2. The adhesive tapecartridge TK comprises a first roll R1 (details described later) on therear side, and a second roll R2 (details described later) on the frontside.

The first roll R1 is received from above in the first storage part 5 bythe mounting of the adhesive tape cartridge TK, and stored in a state inwhich an axis O1 of the substantially horizontal direction is in thesubstantially horizontal direction (specifically, left-right direction).The first roll R1 winds a print-receiving adhesive tape 150 comprising apreferred width direction dimension around the axis O1. Note that, inFIG. 2, the state in which the print-receiving adhesive tape 150 of thefirst roll R1 is not consumed is indicated by a solid line, and thestate in which the print-receiving adhesive tape 150 of the first rollR1 is consumed to a certain degree is indicated by an imaginary line.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, a first core member 30 for forming thefirst roll R1 is provided to the rear side of the adhesive tapecartridge TK. Then, with this first core member 30 supported by a leftand right pair of first bracket parts 22 and 22, the first roll R1 isrotatably (in direction A in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) supported inside thefirst storage part 5 in the state stored in the first storage part 5 (inthe state in which the adhesive tape cartridge TK is mounted).

The print-receiving adhesive tape 150, as shown in FIG. 3, is layered inthe order of a separation material 151, an adhesive layer 152, a baselayer 153, and a separating agent layer 154, from one side (the lowerside in FIG. 3 in this example) to the other side (the upper side inFIG. 3 in this example) in the thickness direction. That is, in thisexample, the separating agent layer 154 is positioned as the uppermostlayer, and the separation material 151 is positioned as the lowermostlayer. The separating agent layer 154 is a layer where preferred printis formed by a print head 10 described later, and is a layer forpreventing dirt and debris from sticking to the front surface when aprint-receiving adhesive tape 150″ (details described later) after printformation is used as a label or sealing material by the user, therebymaintaining antifouling properties. The adhesive layer 152 is a layerfor affixing the base layer 153 to a suitable adherent (not shown). Theseparation material 151 is a layer that covers the adhesive layer 152.

The first opening/closing cover 3 at this time is capable of opening andclosing above the first storage part 5 by pivoting around apredetermined pivot axis K provided at the rear side end of the housing2. Specifically, the first opening/closing cover 3 is pivotable from aclosed position where the rear side of the housing 2 is covered (thestate of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 5) to an open position wherethe rear side of the housing 2 is exposed (the state of FIG. 4 and FIG.6).

Further, the print head 10 and a feeding roller 11 are disposed facingeach other in the up-down direction on the upper side of the substantialmiddle of the housing 2 interior communicated with the first storagepart 5 and the second storage part 7.

The feeding roller 11 feeds the print-receiving adhesive tape 150 fedout from the first roll R1 stored in the first storage part 5 in a tapeposture in which the tape width direction is in the substantiallyhorizontal direction (specifically, in the left-right direction) [inother words, in a tape posture where the tape transverse cross-sectionis set as the substantially horizontal direction (specifically, in theleft-right direction)]. Further, this feeding roller 11 is driven by afeeding motor M1 via a gear mechanism. The feeding motor M1 is providedbetween the first storage part 5 and the second storage part 7 as wellas the third storage part 6 disposed in a divided manner on a rear sideand a front side as described above (further on the front side than thefirst storage part 5, and further on the rear side than the secondstorage part 7 and the third storage part 6), so that the axialdirection of an output shaft (not shown) is in the substantialhorizontal direction (specifically, the left-right direction). Note thatthe feeding roller 11 is provided substantially above the feeding motorM1 in this example.

The print head 10 is provided on an area of the first opening/closingcover 3 substantially upwardly facing the feeding roller 11 so that itsandwiches the fed print-receiving adhesive tape 150 in coordinationwith the feeding roller 11. Then, the print head 10 forms preferredprint on the above described separating agent layer 154 of the fedprint-receiving adhesive tape 150 using an ink ribbon IB of a ribboncartridge RK described later, thereby forming an adhesive tape 150′ withprint.

That is, the ribbon cartridge RK is detachably mounted in a secondpredetermined position 9, which is below the first opening/closing cover3 (in a closed state) of the housing 2 and above the adhesive tapecartridge TK. The ribbon cartridge RK rotatably (in direction D in FIG.2) comprises a ribbon supply roll R4 on the rear side, and rotatably (indirection E in FIG. 2) comprises a ribbon take-up roll R5 on the frontside. The ribbon supply roll R4 winds the ink ribbon IB for performingprint formation by the print head 10 around a predetermined axis, andfeeds out this ink ribbon IB. The ribbon take-up roll R5 takes up theused ink ribbon IB after print formation. The ribbon cartridge RK ismounted to the second predetermined position 9, disposing the ribbonsupply roll R4 further toward the rear side than the print head 10 andthe feeding roller 11, and the ribbon take-up roll R5 further toward thefront side than the print head 10 and the feeding roller 11. Note that,in FIG. 2, the state in which the ink ribbon IB of the ribbon supplyroll R4 is not consumed and the used ink ribbon IB is not yet woundaround the ribbon take-up roll R5 is indicated by a solid line, and thestate in which the ink ribbon IB of the ribbon supply roll R4 wasconsumed to a certain degree and the used ink ribbon IB was wound aroundthe ribbon take-up roll R5 to a certain degree is indicated by animaginary line.

Then, the ink ribbon IB fed out from the ribbon supply roll R4 contactsthe area below the print head 10. At this time, the ink ribbon IB, asshown in FIG. 2, forms a layered structure (of four layers in thisexample), comprising a ribbon base layer 164, an underlayer 163 thatmelts by predetermined heat reception and separates from the ribbon baselayer 164, a top layer 161 that sticks to a transfer target, and an inklayer 162 that is positioned in the middle between the top layer 161 andthe underlayer 163 in the thickness direction. Then, the above describedunderlayer 163 melts by the heat received due to the heating from theprint head 10, causing a transfer layer IK comprising the underlayer163, the ink layer 162, and the top layer 161 to separate from the abovedescribed ribbon base layer 164. Then, the top layer 161 side of thetransfer layer IK sticks to the separating agent layer 154 of theprint-receiving adhesive tape 150, which is the transfer target (referto FIG. 7 described later). With this arrangement, after the ink of theink ribbon IB performs print formation on the separating agent layer 154of the fed print-receiving adhesive tape 150 to generate the abovedescribed adhesive tape 150′ with print, the used ink ribbon IB is takenup on the ribbon take-up roll R5. Note that the ribbon cartridge RK isattachable and detachable with respect to the second predeterminedposition 9 by setting the first opening/closing cover 3 to an open statewith the second opening/closing cover 4 in a closed state as is, asshown in FIG. 4.

A third roll R3 is received from above in the third storage part 6, andstored in a state in which an axis O3 of the substantially horizontaldirection is in the substantially horizontal direction (specifically,the left-right direction). The third roll R3 winds a tape from which theseparation material 151 was peeled from the adhesive tape 150′ withprint (a tape that includes the tape main body comprising the separatingagent layer 154, the base layer 153, and the adhesive layer 152, as wellas the transfer layer IK; refer to FIG. 3; hereinafter suitably andsimply called the “adhesive tape 150” with print″) around the axis O3.Note that, in FIG. 2, the state in which the adhesive tape 150″ withprint is not yet wound around the third roll R3 is indicated by a solidline, and the state in which the adhesive tape 150″ with print is woundaround the third roll R3 to a certain degree is indicated by animaginary line. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, a third core member 40for forming the third roll R3 is provided inside the housing 2 on thesecond opening/closing cover 4 side. Then, this third core member 40 issupported by a support bracket RB, causing the third roll R3 to berotatably (in direction B in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) supported inside thethird storage part 6. That is, the third roll R3 is connected to atake-up motor M3 via a gear mechanism, and driven to execute take-up bythe take-up motor M3. This take-up motor M3 is provided below in thesubstantial middle between the second storage part 7 and the thirdstorage part 6.

Further, the second opening/closing cover 4 at this time is capable ofopening and closing above the third storage part 6 by pivoting around apredetermined first pivot axis K1 provided at the front side end of thehousing 2. Specifically, the second opening/closing cover 4 is pivotablefrom a closed position where the third storage part 6 of the housing 2is covered (the state of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4) to an openposition where the third storage part 6 is exposed (the state of FIG. 5and FIG. 6). Note that the third roll R3, as shown in FIG. 5, isattachable and detachable with respect to the third storage part 6 bysetting the second opening/closing cover 4 to an open state with thefirst opening/closing cover 3 in a closed state as is.

The support bracket RB comprises two brackets provided facing each otherwith the third roll R3 sandwiched between both sides of the third rollR3 along the axis O3 direction, and the third roll R3 (the third coremember 40) is rotatably supported around a predetermined second pivotaxis K2 provided at the front side end of the housing 2. That is, thesupport bracket RB is pivotably configured from a use position (theposition shown in FIGS. 1-4) where it is positioned on the closeddirection side of the second opening/closing cover 4 where the thirdroll R3 is not attachable or detachable, to a removal position (theposition shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6) where it is positioned on the opendirection side of the second opening/closing cover 4 where the thirdroll R3 is attachable and detachable, around the second pivot axis K2.Note that, in this example, the second pivot axis K2 is in the sameposition as the above described first pivot axis K1 (that is, a commonaxis).

The second roll R2 is received from above in the second storage part 7by the mounting of the adhesive tape cartridge TK, and stored in a statein which an axis O2 of the substantially horizontal direction is in thesubstantially horizontal direction (specifically, left-right direction).The second roll R2 winds the separation material 151 separated from theadhesive tape 150″ with print and peeled from the adhesive tape 150′with print, around the axis O2. Note that, in FIG. 2, the state in whichthe separation material 151 is not yet wound around the second roll R2is indicated by a solid line, and the state in which the separationmaterial 151 is wound around the second roll R2 to a certain degree isindicated by an imaginary line. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, asecond core member 50 for forming the second roll R2 is provided to thefront side of the adhesive tape cartridge TK. Then, with the second coremember 50 supported by a left and right pair of second bracket parts 24and 24, the second roll R2 is rotatably (in direction C in FIG. 2 andFIG. 3) supported inside the second storage part 7 in the state storedin the second storage part 7 (in the state in which the adhesive tapecartridge TK is mounted). That is, the second roll R2 is connected to atake-up motor M2 via a gear mechanism, and driven to execute take-up bythe take-up motor M2. The take-up motor M2 is provided below the abovedescribed feeding motor M1.

Further, a cutter mechanism 14 is disposed in an area further on therear side than the third roll R3 of the second opening/closing cover 4when the second opening/closing cover 4 is in a closed state. The cuttermechanism 14 is a mechanism for cutting the adhesive tape 150″ withprint after the separation material 151 is peeled at a peeling part 13described later.

Summary of Apparatus Operation

Next, an overview of the operation of the adhesive tape printer 1 willbe described.

That is, when the adhesive tape cartridge TK is mounted to the firstpredetermined position 8, the first roll R1 is stored in the firststorage part 5, and the second roll R2 is stored in the second storagepart 7. Then, when the feeding roller 11 is driven, the print-receivingadhesive tape 150 fed out by the rotation of the first roll R1 is fed tothe front side. Then, preferred print is formed by the transfer of thetransfer layer IK of the ink ribbon IB due to the heating of the printhead 10 to the separating agent layer 154 of the fed print-receivingadhesive tape 150, thereby forming the adhesive tape 150′ with print.Subsequently, when the adhesive tape 150′ with print is further fed tothe front side and introduced to the above described peeling part 13,the separation material 151 is peeled at the peeling part 13. The peeledseparation material 151 is fed to the lower side, introduced to thesecond storage part 7, and wound inside the second storage part 7,forming the second roll R2.

On the other hand, the adhesive tape 150″ with print from which theseparation material 151 was peeled is further fed to the front side,introduced to the third storage part 6, and wound inside the thirdstorage part 6, thereby forming the third roll R3. At that time, thecutter mechanism 14 provided further to the rear side than the thirdroll R3, that is, on the upstream side along the transport path, cutsthe adhesive tape 150″ with print on which print was formed and fromwhich the separation material 151 was peeled. With this arrangement, theadhesive tape 150″ with print wound around the third roll R3 can be cutand the third roll R3 can be removed from the third storage part 6 aftercutting based on a timing preferred by the user.

Special Characteristics of the Embodiment

In the above basic configuration, the special characteristics of thisembodiment lie in the improvement of separability at the time of tapefeed-out of the first roll R1 and the third roll R3, the improvement oftransferability of the ink ribbon IB to the print-receiving adhesivetape 150, and the layer structure of the print-receiving adhesive tape150 and the ink ribbon IB which improves the antifouling properties ofthe adhesive tape 150″ with print. In the following, details on thefunctions will be described in order.

Overview of Layered Structure of the Adhesive Tape with Print

FIG. 7A conceptually shows the layered structure of the above describedadhesive tape 150″ with print of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the adhesive tape 150″ with print comprises theseparating agent layer 154, the base layer 153, the adhesive layer 152,and the transfer layer IK formed by transfer from the ink ribbon IB, aspreviously described.

The following types of materials can be used as the base that forms thebase layer 153, for example:

-   1. Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), ethylene-vinyl acetate    copolymer (EVA), ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer (EMMA),    polybutene (PB), polybutadiene (BDR), polymethylpentene (PMP),    polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN),    polybutyrene terephthalate (PBT), polyimide (PI), polyether imide    (PEI), polyether ketone (PEK), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), nylon    (NY), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), formed    polystyrene (FS/EPS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene    chloride (PVDC), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), polyvinyl    alcohol (PVA), common cellophane (PT), moisture-proof cellophane    (MST), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), vinylon (VL), polyurethane (PU),    triacetylcellulose (TAC);-   2. Metallic foil <aluminum foil (AI), copper foil>, vacuum    deposition (common aluminum) film (VM);-   3. Paper, such as high quality paper, clean room paper, glassine    paper, clay coated paper, resin coated paper, laminated paper    (polyethylene laminated paper, polypropylene laminated paper, etc.),    YUPO (synthetic) paper, craft paper;-   4. Nonwoven fabric; and-   5. Glass cloth

The separating agent layer 154 is provided on the other side (upper sidein the figure) of the base layer 153 in the above described thicknessdirection, and comprises an olefin resin separating agent (or an acrylicresin separating agent comprising a long-chain alkyl group). Thesolubility parameter value (hereinafter suitably referred to as “SPvalue”) of the separating agent layer 154 is a relatively low valuegreater than or equal to 7 and less than or equal to 9, for example.

Note that a crystalline olefin resin is used as the above describedolefin resin separating agent that forms the separating agent layer 154.Examples of this crystalline olefin resin include the following:

-   1. Ethylene resin (branched low-density polyethylene, straight-chain    low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene); and-   2. Polypropylene resin (also may be expressed as propylene    homopolymer, propylene-α-olefin copolymer, or stereoregular α-olefin    resin. Further, the above described crystalline olefin resin may be    used singly or in combinations of two or more types.)

Further, examples of the above described long-chain alkyl separatingagent that forms the separating agent layer 154 include the following:

-   1. Long-chain alkyl group-containing compounds

A compound obtained by reacting a long-chain alkyl isocyanate→a compoundcomprising a long-chain alkyl group of 8-30 carbons on a side chain.Note that when the above described number of carbons is less than eight,difficulties in ensuring separation performance arise. Further, when thenumber of carbons exceeds 30, difficulties in availability and handlingarise. Such polymers with separability include reaction products,acrylic polymers, and the like, such as a urethane polymer with alkylisocyanate as a raw material component. Further, the reaction productscan be produced by reacting alkyl isocyanate, which comprises along-chain alkyl group of 8-30 carbons, with a polyvinyl alcoholpolymer, polyethyleneimine, and the like. Examples include a reaction ofpolyvinyl alcohol polymer+long-chain alkyl isocyanate→polyvinylcarbamate or polyethyleneimine+long-chain alkyl isocyanate→alkyl ureaderivative, etc.

The adhesive layer 152 is provided on one side (the lower side in thefigure) of the base layer 153 in the above described thicknessdirection, and comprises a predetermined adhesive, such as an acrylicadhesive, for example. The SP value of the adhesive layer 152 is arelatively high value greater than 9 and less than or equal to 14, forexample.

The transfer layer IK comprises the underlayer 163, the ink layer 162,and the top layer 161, as previously described.

The underlayer 163 is formed on the front surface of the other side (theupper side in the figure) of the transfer layer IK in the abovedescribed thickness direction, and melts by predetermined heatreception, separating from the ribbon base layer 164 of the ink ribbonIB, as previously described. The SP value of the underlayer 163 is arelatively low value greater than or equal to 7 and less than or equalto 9, for example.

The top layer 161 is formed on the front surface of one side (the lowerside in the figure) of the transfer layer IK in the above describedthickness direction, and sticks to the transfer target. The SP value ofthe top layer 161 is a relatively low value greater than or equal to 7and less than or equal to 9, for example.

The ink layer 162 comprises a predetermined pigment. The SP value of theink layer 162 is a relatively high value greater than 9 and less than orequal to 11, for example.

Improvement of Antifouling Properties

The above described adhesive tape 150″ with print is configured byforming the transfer layer IK on the separating agent layer 154, thebase layer 153, and the adhesive layer 152 by transfer from the inkribbon IB, as previously described. Then, after removing the adhesivetape 150″ with print wound around the third roll R3 from the secondstorage part 7 at suitably timing as previously described, the user canuse the adhesive tape 150″ with print as a label or sealing material forpackaging, for example, by feeding out the adhesive tape 150″ with printof a preferred length from the third roll R3 and affixing it to asuitable adherent. The adhesive tape 150″ with print at this time formsa layered structure that includes the separating agent layer 154, thebase layer 153, and the adhesive layer 152, in that order (refer to FIG.3 and the like as well). The separating agent layer 154 is provided onone side (that is, the side opposite the side affixed to the adherent)of the base layer 153 of the adhesive tape 150″ with print in the abovedescribed thickness direction, thereby causing the front surface to beless susceptible to the sticking of dirt and debris when the adhesivetape 150″ with print is used as a label or sealing material as describedabove, making it possible to maintain antifouling properties.

Improvement of Separability

Hence, since the adhesive tape 150″ with print includes the separatingagent layer 154, the base layer 153, and the adhesive layer 152, in thatorder, as previously described, the adhesive layer 152 in the abovedescribed third roll R3 is in contact with and adhered to the separatingagent layer 154 in the radial direction of the third roll R3 in allsections other than the section where the transfer layer IK istransferred, as shown in FIG. 7A (refer to FIG. 3 as well). The abovedescribed separating agent layer 154 is provided also with the object ofmaking the adhesion with this adhesive layer 152 more readilyreseparable. That is, when the adhesive tape 150″ with print is fed outfrom the third roll R3 as described above, the above described adhesivelayer 152 sequentially peels and separates from the separating agentlayer 154. Then, according to this embodiment, to improve separabilityat this time (to make the adhesive layer 152 peel via a lighter load),the separating agent layer 154 comprises an olefin resin separatingagent (or acrylic resin separating agent comprising a long-chain alkylgroup) with a relatively low SP value (greater than or equal to 7 andless than or equal to 9; refer to FIG. 8). With this arrangement, it ispossible to improve the separability from the separating agent layer 154at the time of feed-out of the adhesive tape 150″ with print from theabove described third roll R3.

Improvement of Transferability and the Like

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7A, the transfer layer IK forms alayered structure that includes the underlayer 163, the ink layer 162,and the top layer 161, in that order, from the other side (upper side inthe figure) to one side (lower side in the figure) in the abovedescribed thickness direction (refer to FIG. 2 as well). That is, at thetime of transfer from the ink ribbon IB, the above described top layer161 positioned on the front surface of one side of the transfer layer IKin the above described thickness direction is formed adjacent to theother side of the above described separating agent layer 154 in theabove described thickness direction. To ensure favorabletransferability, it is necessary to increase the adhesion between theadjacent separating agent layer 154 and the top layer 161, and thus thedifference between the SP value of the separating agent layer 154 andthe SP value of the top layer 161 is preferably relatively small (referto FIG. 8).

Hence, as previously described, the separating agent layer 154 comprisesan olefin resin separating agent (or an acrylic resin separating agentcomprising a long-chain alkyl group), and has a relatively low SP value.Hence, according to this embodiment, even for the above described toplayer 161, a material with a relatively low SP value greater than orequal to 7 and less than or equal to 9 is adopted, and not a materialwith an SP value of about 11 such as the ink ribbon IB used for regulartape printing (refer to FIG. 7A and FIG. 8). With this arrangement, itis possible to increase the adhesion between the top layer 161 and theseparating agent layer 154, and improve the transferability when thetransfer layer IK is transferred from the ink ribbon IB.

Further, in a case where the adhesive tape 150″ with print is wound asthe third roll R3 as described above, the adhesive layer 152 and theseparating agent layer 154 are in contact in the radial direction of thethird roll R3 in all sections other than the section where the transferlayer IK is transferred, as previously described (refer to FIG. 3 andFIG. 7A). From the viewpoint of the above described adhesion, it isnecessary to decrease the adhesion between the adhesive layer 152 andthe separating agent layer 154, and thus the difference between the SPvalue of the adhesive layer 152 and the SP value of the separating agentlayer 154 is preferably relatively large. Since the SP value of theseparating agent layer 154 is relatively low as described above, theadhesive layer 152 with a relatively high SP value is adopted, accordingto this embodiment (refer to FIG. 7A).

On the other hand, at this time, in a case where the adhesive tape 150″with print is wound as the above described third roll R3, the adhesivelayer 152 and the underlayer 163 positioned on the front surface of theother side (the upper side in FIG. 7A) of the transfer layer IK in theabove described thickness direction are in contact in the radialdirection of the third roll R3 in the section where the transfer layerIK is transferred (refer to FIG. 3 and FIG. 7A). From the viewpoint ofthe above described adhesion, it is necessary to decrease the adhesionbetween the underlayer 163 and the adhesive layer 152, and thus thedifference between the SP value of the underlayer 163 and the SP valueof the adhesive layer 152 is preferably relatively large (refer to FIG.8). For the above described reasons, since the adhesive layer 152 with arelatively high SP value is used, the SP value of the underlayer 163 ispreferably relatively low, according to this embodiment. Hence,according to this embodiment, even for the underlayer 163, a materialwith a relatively low SP value greater than or equal to 7 and less thanor equal to 9 is adopted, similar to the above described top layer 161(refer to FIG. 7A and FIG. 8). With this arrangement, it is possible todecrease the adhesion between the underlayer 163 and the adhesive layer152, thereby preventing the transfer layer IK formed after transfer fromthe ink ribbon IB to the separating agent layer 154 from peeling onceagain toward the adhesive layer 152 side.

Advantages of the Embodiment

Thus, as described above, according to this embodiment, it is possibleto achieve the adhesive tape 150″ with print with optimalcharacteristics that is capable of maintaining antifouling propertieswhen affixed and used by the user while improving the separability atthe time of feed-out from the third roll R3. Further, according to thisembodiment, it is possible to also improve the transferability from theink ribbon IB and, in this way as well, achieve the adhesive tape 150″with print with optimal characteristics.

Further, in particular, according to this embodiment, the SP value ofthe olefin resin separating agent (or acrylic resin separating agentcomprising a long-chain alkyl group) that constitutes the separatingagent layer 154 is greater than or equal to 7 and less than or equal to9. With this arrangement, it is possible to reliably improve theseparability of the adhesive layer 152 from the separating agent layer154 when the adhesive tape 150″ with print is fed out from the thirdroll R3 as previously described, and peel the adhesive layer 152 via alighter load.

Further, in particular, according to this embodiment, the SP value ofthe adhesive that constitutes the adhesive layer 152 is greater than 9and less than or equal to 14. With this arrangement, it is possible toreliably decrease the adhesion of the adhesive layer 152 with respect tothe separating agent layer 154 for which the SP value is lowly set asdescribed above.

Further, in particular, according to this embodiment, the adhesive thatconstitutes the adhesive layer 152 is an acrylic adhesive. Using anacrylic adhesive with a high SP value in this manner makes it possibleto reliably decrease the adhesion with respect to the separating agentlayer 154 for which the SP value is lowly set.

Further, in particular, according to this embodiment, the transfer layerIK transferred from the ink ribbon IB to the print-receiving adhesivetape 150 forms a three-layered structure. That is, the transfer layer IKincludes the underlayer 163, the ink layer 162, and the top layer 161,from the other side to one side in the above described thicknessdirection. This structure is one in which the ink layer 162 issandwiched between the underlayer 163 and the top layer 161, and thusthe ink layer 162 is unrelated to the adhesion settings (adhesionlevels) between the aforementioned transfer layer IK, the separatingagent layer 154, and the adhesive layer 152. Accordingly, it is possibleto suitably change the pigment of the ink layer 162 to a type that canachieve the color preferred by the user without inhibiting optimumcharacteristics, such as the separability and transferability previouslydescribed, thereby improving convenience.

Further, compared to the relatively low SP value of the underlayer 163,which is greater than or equal to 7 and less than or equal to 9, the SPvalue of the ink layer 162 is higher (greater than 9 and less than orequal to 11), and thus the values of the adhesive force between theunderlayer 163 and the first ink layer 162 relatively decreases. Withthis arrangement, when the adhesive layer 152 is peeled as it is fed outfrom the third roll R3 as previously described, only the underlayer 163that contacts the adhesive layer 152 is peeled in association with theadhesive layer, and the first ink layer 162 is separated from thatpeeled underlayer 163, remaining on the separating agent layer 154 side,even in a case where the transfer layer IK also temporarily appears asif it will be peeled together with the adhesive layer 152. With thisarrangement, even if such peeling as described above temporarily occurs,it is possible to at least avoid loss of color by the transfer layer IK.As a result, the print-based display function of the adhesive tape 150″with print can be reliably maintained.

Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the above describedembodiment, and various modifications may be made without deviating fromthe spirit and scope of the disclosure. The following describes suchmodifications one by one.

-   (1) When the SP value of the ink layer is decreased

That is, as shown in FIG. 7B, according to this modification, an inklayer 162′ comprising a predetermined pigment and a relatively low SPvalue greater than or equal to 7 and less than or equal to 9 is providedin place of the ink layer 162 of the above described embodiment, betweenthe underlayer 163 and the top layer 161 of a transfer layer IK′.

In this modification, similar to the above described embodiment, thestructure is one in which the ink layer 162′ is sandwiched between theunderlayer 163 and the top layer 161, and thus the ink layer 162′ isunrelated to the adhesion settings (adhesion levels) between theaforementioned transfer layer IK, the separating agent layer 154, andthe adhesive layer 152. Accordingly, it is possible to suitably changethe pigment of the ink layer 162′ to a type that can achieve the colorpreferred by the user without inhibiting optimum characteristics, suchas the separability and transferability previously described, therebyimproving convenience.

Further, the SP values of the underlayer 163, the ink layer 162′, andthe top layer 161 are all substantially the same value of greater thanor equal to 7 and less than or equal to 9, and thus the values of theadhesive force between the underlayer 163, the second ink layer 162′,and the top layer 161 relatively increase, respectively. With thisarrangement, when the adhesive layer 152 is peeled as it is fed out fromthe third roll R3 as previously described, the underlayer 163, thesecond ink layer 162′, and the top layer 162 become integrated andremain on the separating agent layer 154 side without peeling inassociation with the adhesive layer 152. With this arrangement, it ispossible to reliably maintain the print-based display function of theadhesive tape 150″ with print.

-   (2) When the top layer is omitted

That is, as shown in FIG. 7C, according to this modification, in atransfer layer IK″, the top layer 161 of the transfer layer IK′ of theabove described FIG. 7B is omitted and an ink layer 162″ also serves thefunction of the above described top layer 161. Accordingly, the adoptedink layer 162″ is one with a relatively low SP value greater than orequal to 7 and less than or equal to 9, for example. This ink layer 162″comprises a predetermined pigment, and is capable of sticking to atransfer target.

In this modification, a transfer layer IK″ transferred from the inkribbon IB to the print-receiving adhesive tape 150 forms a two-layeredstructure of the underlayer 163 serving as the above described firstlayer, and the ink layer 162″ serving as the above described secondlayer. With this arrangement, it is possible to reduce costs compared toa case of a three-layered structure.

-   (3) When the underlayer is omitted

That is, as shown in FIG. 7D, according to this modification, in atransfer layer IK′″, the underlayer 163 of the transfer layer IK′″ ofthe above described FIG. 7B is omitted and an ink layer 162′″ alsoserves as the function of the above described underlayer 163.Accordingly, the adopted ink layer 162′″ is one with a relatively low SPvalue greater than or equal to 7 and less than or equal to 9, forexample.

In this modification, the transfer layer IK′″ transferred from the inkribbon IB to the print-receiving adhesive tape 150 forms a two-layeredstructure of the ink layer 162′″ serving as the above described firstlayer, and the top layer 161 serving as the above described secondlayer. With this arrangement, it is possible to reduce costs compared toa case of a three-layered structure.

-   (4) Other

Note that printing may not be performed, and the adhesive layer 152, thebase layer 153, and the separating agent layer 154 only may be wound inthe above described third roll R3. In this case as well, it is possibleto achieve the advantages of improving separability and maintainingantifouling properties in the same manner as described above at the timeof feed-out from the third roll R3 by the separating agent layer 154.

Further, a tape without the separation material 151 may be wound in thefirst roll R1. In this case, using not only the above described olefinresin separating agent or acrylic resin separating agent comprising along-chain alkyl group but also a silicone separating agent as theseparating agent used in the separating agent layer 154 is alsoconceivable. In such a case, the above described SP value of theseparating agent layer 154 is greater than or equal to 7 and less thanor equal to 9. In these cases as well, it is possible to achieve theadvantage of improving the separability by the separating agent layer154 at the time of feed-out of the above described tape from the firstroll R1, and the advantage of maintaining antifouling properties whenthe user uses the above described tape after feed-out from the firstroll R1, as previously described.

Further, while the above has described an illustrative scenario in whichthe present disclosure is applied to the adhesive tape printer 1 thatperforms printing on the print-receiving adhesive tape 150, the presentdisclosure is not limited thereto, allowing application to a tapeprocessing device that performs processing other than printing on anadhesive tape.

Further, other than that already stated above, techniques based on theabove described embodiment and each of the modifications may be suitablyutilized in combination as well.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adhesive tape with print having a dimension ina thickness direction, comprising: a tape main body; and a transferredlayer formed on said tape main body by transfer from an ink ribbon; saidtape main body including: a tape base layer; an adhesive layer disposedon one side of said tape base layer in said thickness direction andcomprising a predetermined adhesive; and a separation layer provided onthe other side of said tape base layer in said thickness direction andcomprising an olefin resin separating agent or an acrylic resinseparating agent having a long-chain alkyl group, said transferred layerincluding: a first layer formed on a front surface of the other side ofsaid transferred layer in said thickness direction and having asolubility parameter value greater than or equal to 7 and less than orequal to 9; and a second layer formed on a front surface of the one sideof said transferred layer in said thickness direction and having asolubility parameter value greater than or equal to 7 and less than orequal to
 9. 2. The adhesive tape with print according to claim 1,wherein: a solubility parameter value of said olefin resin separatingagent or said acrylic resin separating agent having a long-chain alkylgroup constituting said separation layer is greater than or equal to 7and less than or equal to
 9. 3. The adhesive tape with print accordingto claim 1, wherein: a solubility parameter value of said predeterminedadhesive constituting said adhesive layer is greater than 9 and lessthan or equal to
 14. 4. The adhesive tape with print according to claim3, wherein: said predetermined adhesive constituting said adhesive layeris an acrylic adhesive.
 5. The adhesive tape with print according toclaim 1, wherein: said transferred layer further comprises a first inklayer disposed on the one side of said first layer in said thicknessdirection and on the other side of said second layer in said thicknessdirection, and having a solubility parameter value greater than 9 andless than or equal to 11, and comprised of a predetermined pigment, saidfirst layer is an underlayer, that is melt by predetermined heatreception and separated from a ribbon base layer of said ink ribbon, andsaid second layer is a top layer stuck to said separation layer.
 6. Theadhesive tape with print according to claim 1, wherein: said transferredlayer further comprises a second ink layer disposed on the one side ofsaid first layer in said thickness direction and on the other side ofsaid second layer in said thickness direction, and having a solubilityparameter value greater than or equal to 7 and less than or equal to 9,and comprised of a predetermined pigment, said first layer is anunderlayer, that is melt by predetermined heat reception and separatedfrom a ribbon base layer of said ink ribbon, and said second layer is atop layer stuck to said separation layer.
 7. The adhesive tape withprint according to claim 1, wherein: said first layer is an underlayer,that is melt by predetermined heat reception and separated from a ribbonbase layer of said ink ribbon, and said second layer is a third inklayer comprised of a predetermined pigment and stuck to said separationlayer.
 8. The adhesive tape with print according to claim 1, wherein:said first layer is a fourth ink layer, that is melt by predeterminedheat reception and separated from a ribbon base layer of said inkribbon, and said second layer is a top layer stuck to said separationlayer.
 9. An adhesive tape roll with print comprising said adhesive tapewith print as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said adhesive tape with printis wound around a predetermined axis.